2023 - Honda CBR650R - First Ride on a sport bike

Although I had never ridden anything that resembles a sport bike, when the opportunity presented itself to try out the 2023 Honda CBR 650 R I couldn't say no. It was definitely an eye opening experience considering everything was new to me from the power to the rider triangle from the theatrical drama to the noise of the screaming 4 cylinder. I have a new understanding now for the sport bike segment!
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[@andrewcarnegie5805]

it was refreshing to see a non-sports rider give their unbiased opinions

[@jh9740]

great seeing someone enjoy a bike like this. Sports bikes are the best IMO. The CBr650r is a good blend as you're not completely smashing your back, arms and wrists

[@matthewhite4807]

i agree

[@BIGBigBoiNICK]

I think hyper nakeds are the best because they have super sport speed but a more comfortable riding position

[@gavinammi]

​@@BIGBigBoiNICKu never went on a highway with one for sure 🤣

[@BIGBigBoiNICK]

@@gavinammi you could get a taller wind screen

[@gavinammi]

@@BIGBigBoiNICK looks kinda ugly in my opinion

[@ygeia_trws]

Hilarious😂 and your reactions during acceleration passages just priceless! 😁

[@RideWithAlex]

Thanks, it's shocking how it reacts because of the power with the very low weight. Not to add the sound of the high revving inline 4 😁

[@something1066]

I’ve been questioning whether to buy this bike, hearing your excitement and that sweet engine has sold it to me. Thanks 👍

[@DC-wo9sw]

First of all, so great to see someone having so much fun on the bike 😅 I had the same reaction once the ride-in phase was over, and I hit the 8k rpm mark. The beast awakens! 😈😂

[@RideWithAlex]

Thanks, I always try to get the raw reaction on camera, there are enough polished reviews from professional journalists out there. I'm not a professional journalist and I don't try to pretend to be one. I'm just a guy who likes bikes 😁

[@fhurley8447]

As someone who is new to bikes I love your reactions! The sheer enjoyment of a great machine

[@RideWithAlex]

I try to keep it real :D

[@mervyoung5397]

Great review! Love your excitement! Haha! I'm considering the CBR650R as my next bike, OR the Apriia RS660.

[@Ruralaus]

im looking at buying one of these from my work (ide be putting my own bike together off the crate) and this video has told me everything ive wanted to know..cheers mate awesome video

[@RideWithAlex]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

[@shawk904]

Thinking hard about one of these shortly for a daily. Well done! (and fun!!)

[@RideWithAlex]

It's awsome for a daily! 😁

[@jatinkumarnpmalcsvph8975]

Will get that beast soon, right now i have a 300 cc single silender sports bike and that also feels great.

[@lin_sigartau]

best video about cbr650r! Great Channel!! big up!

[@RideWithAlex]

Thank you! 😁😁

[@y0zayy846]

Really pissed NA didn’t get this color it’s so good ! Trying to be patient for 2024 model

[@saigaikwad415]

Man watching this video and hearing your reactions made me so happy, always put a smile on my face whenever you pulled that throttle! Now I really want to see you try a proper 600 like the ZX6R or if possible, even a litre bike, like the R1! Hopefully you are able to do that soon. I wish you happy riding, stay safe!

[@RideWithAlex]

I too would be curios to try an R1 or something similar but I'm in no hurry :))

[@saigaikwad415]

@@RideWithAlex ofcourse! Take your own time, the power on those bikes is insane and we don't want anything going wrong, still will be waiting to see it some day!

[@Stefan_trekkie]

I have spend few years back in the day on the old CBR600F2 from 94' It was marvelous machine and very practical. The rear tire had huge sub fender.

[@RideWithAlex]

I think the F2 is more of a sport touring style of bike right?

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@RideWithAlex Yes, similar to the VFRs from the same era. But the siting position is close to the super sports. I remember my clip one handlebars were just ~40mm rise and I wanted the ones from a VFR with ~60mm rise for more comfi position.. Your 650 test bike seams with minimum rise.

[@RideWithAlex]

@@Stefan_trekkie for me it was a very agreesive position, but the again i ride scooters and adv bikes mostly 🤣

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@RideWithAlex I also had had the legendary GPz900r /the top gun movie bike/ before that. But with age I develop upper back problems and that position is not and option for me anymore. That position also gives you very good control on the bike with shifting the weight around. But neeeeh.. I will take any cruiser, adv or maxi scooter over sport or sport tourer 🤓 p.s. After time the power and acceleration become mundane and the only real trill are the twisties.

[@brownbungle9498]

Fantastic review, love the commentary 👌🏽

[@RideWithAlex]

Thank you!

[@DoraKage]

CBR owners, what gasoline type / brand do you use for this? I'm about to get mine soon- so I was wondering which one best to use during refueling.

[@redsorgum]

One of my favorite sport bikes I’ve owned, is a Buell XB9r. I can no longer ride in that position, too much pain in my arms and back. Plus, it’s too tempting to race.✌️🇺🇸🇷🇴✌️

[@RideWithAlex]

It would be so interesting to ride a Buell but here in Europe they are extremely rare.

[@AgricUltra]

The enjoyment is palpable. ❤

[@RideWithAlex]

Thank you 😁

[@romans4471]

...and was holding my breath at 04:09 just like I would do watching another part of Bond! 😁

[@RideWithAlex]

😂😂😂 Thanks!

[@zoraius]

I own a 2019 cbr650r and i still make that same laugh when "i give it the beans" also its the only four cylinder in the 650 class.

[@RideWithAlex]

That's why I wanted to ride because it's still a 4 cylinder.

[@IAmSwordless-]

how hard is it to sit in this position on the bike? is it a vigorous seating position? does it hurt hands

[@Natan9000]

I love the way the CBR’s look

[@boomjykeo2]

This video is one of the ones I watched that convinced me to put a deposit on one of these, with the same black and blue colourway. It’s gonna be my first sports bike too, absolutely can’t wait to pick it up later in the year!

[@RideWithAlex]

You're going to enjoy it :D

[@boomjykeo2]

@@RideWithAlex I’m already daydreaming about all the fun I’m gonna have on it. How was the exhaust note for you while you were riding it?

[@RideWithAlex]

@@boomjykeo2 loud enough to be enjoyable but not so loud where my ears would bleed on a long trip. I know people like to put exhausts on these, I would leave it stock

[@boomjykeo2]

@@RideWithAlex that’s perfect then, my country’s superrrr strict with exhausts, so it sounds like it’s probably not worth the hassle getting an aftermarket pipe on 😂

[@panaroman8346]

I had a feeling it was Romania by looking at the surroundings. Road signs confirmed it. Looking to get this as my first bike in the States. I'm glad that you enjoy the bike!

[@RideWithAlex]

It was an experience that i really enjoyed, wouldn't tour on it but for some short days out on the weekend it's a blast!

[@DoraKage]

I gave it a test ride yesterday. I have had previous exp with sportbikes before, but this model felt very different. I am a short person (167 cm) which means i have a low inseam. This Honda's seat is low enough that makes it easy to control and I can flat foot it. But I am a bit surprised about how aggressive the sitting position is compared to my past experiences. How do you guys feel about the forward down lean of your upper body when riding this thing? EDIT: ok, I see the sitting position also weighs alot on your mind. 🤔 I guess itll take some getting used to. My first time on a Naked MT-07 it felt strange as well.

[@lachlancannard]

I wanted the 650R, but the seating position was too aggressive. Picked up a comfy Ninja 650 to satisfy my sportsbike itch.

[@mightyakkylex]

Am fost si eu pe una exact asa la Honda days, e geniala

[@dmertl75]

Brilliant video loved it. Will you first ride the Honda CB750 Hornet?

[@RideWithAlex]

Hopefully soon, the Hornet and the Transalp. Trying to figure out where to get my hands on it now :))

[@islamdrai2553]

I love this bike ❤❤

[@RideWithAlex]

Awesome!

[@bigg2392]

lol great video man! Im looking at the cbr650r as well but never rode a motorcycle🥴

[@RideWithAlex]

It's a bit quick for a beginner but if you're mature enough and mindful of the power you can learn on it.

[@andothebot2192]

Man see bike, man drive bike, man happy.

[@RideWithAlex]

Exactly =))))

[@jcwhiskers3415]

Excellent ❤

[@madwinningsteam1860]

Bine Alex!!!!

[@RideWithAlex]

Mersi 😁

[@mightyakkylex]

Sitting position is miles above the R7 :D

[@fabiomoreira7928]

As someone riding a 125cc looking into buy this bike, i loved how much fun you had on this bike. The reactions are great, hopefully ill get the same reactions, looking for something with great sound and more sport tourer than full sport.

[@RideWithAlex]

If think if you want touring you should try the naked version, the CB650 I think it's called, same engine buy much more comfortable for a long ride.

[@fabiomoreira7928]

@@RideWithAlex taking it into consideration but that front light is so ugly, I cant... I think this for 2 3 hours trip will be fine I hope , putting the luggage on the sides and going 100 to 120kmh , nothing crazy. Still have to test drive it.

[@RideWithAlex]

@@no_name4080 some do it 🤷🏻‍♂️, I personally don't but some do it.

[@Kabanaris]

i just liked it and subbed cuz of your reaction xD bcs we had the exact same reaction xD

[@RideWithAlex]

😂😂 Thanks! 😁

[@isaachauzel149]

Hi,I’m new to the bike world and I just wanna ask you which/what type of bike is a super bike and sports bike?

[@RideWithAlex]

I think a super bike is when we get in the 1000cc class but definitions vary from person to person.

[@sagunnnnnn]

i've been waiting for mine to arrive in Aus for nearly 4 months 😢

[@RideWithAlex]

There still world wide shortages far just about any vehicle

[@Kabanaris]

Hello mate I realy loved thst video liked and subbed , i just got my license and man i can't explain to you how much i loved that motorcycle, but everyone tells me to take kawasaki 400 , but i really loved this one cant explain how much , what do you belive ?

[@RideWithAlex]

I haven't ridden the kawasaki 400 but this one was a blast that's for sure

[@Kabanaris]

​@@RideWithAlexyour reaction is priceless

[@dundzior]

how tall are u and did the bike feel small?

[@RideWithAlex]

I'm 1.75m tall it didn't feel small

[@romans4471]

I reaaaaaallly love Your comments ( like at 02:02 ) and reactions 😁

[@RideWithAlex]

Well, it's my natural reaction, i really want to expose everything and my evolution in the motorcycle world. People that ride these every day call it a babay sport bike, and it is compared to 1000cc that have the same weight and double the power. But for me who has never riden something like this it was a shock 😳😁

[@romans4471]

@@RideWithAlex I can imagine that :-) I would most probably feel the same :-)

[@johnflavin1602]

Great video Alex. Are those 30 kph speed limits I see?

[@RideWithAlex]

Nope, I see nothing 😂 it's an optical illusion

[@johnflavin1602]

@@RideWithAlex 👍

[@drummer811000]

Would this be a good starting bike for a 30 year old? Would i be able to learn and perfect the basic skills to be a good rider, starting on a bigger bike like this??? Opinions please

[@RideWithAlex]

Tbh I don't think it's a good beginner bike, look for something in the 40-50bhp range.

[@timsimon8995]

Yeah, easy. Practise basic skills on a dirt bike first is always a good idea.

[@mohammadnashitsiddiqui2168]

If you go through A2 regulations, it's probably a good choice

[@Loubie2005]

And it's A2 Legal, definitely getting this

[@stfu6397]

Ive got one on A2 at the moment, in a few months it gets derestricted. Oh and I put the Akrapovic racing exhaust on it without db killer and it’s sounds insane.

[@realgucman]

@@stfu6397 Is it still good as A2? I’m thinking of getting this as well.

[@andreichiriac7479]

Frumos pe centură la Iași, asa merge și al meu 😂

[@morkovetz]

beautiful

[@RideWithAlex]

It is 😁

[@ivansim1876]

Hi there, how bad vibration?

[@RideWithAlex]

It felt very smooth, I'm very picky with vibrations and this felt very smooth.

[@judge831]

If 8k rpm is too fast in 3rd gear, downshift to 2nd.

[@RideWithAlex]

Good advice :))

[@kial1292]

I have to have one

[@CraigKovatch]

I love the paint. Too bad North America is stuck with red and black.

[@patricksevenants6873]

nice

[@IAmSwordless-]

2:56 THATS WHEN YK A GUYS HAVING FUN

[@RideWithAlex]

😁😁😁

[@RossMKF1]

Weird question but what phone is that you’re holding

[@RideWithAlex]

Asus zenfone 7 pro

[@RossMKF1]

@@RideWithAlex Looks nice! Don’t get too many of those in the states

[@ministerpillowes]

6:56 lol yeah long rides on it include a free workout

[@RideWithAlex]

=))))))

[@rogerp4612]

Even more drama on the naked version - CB650R - same powetrain, but you really feel even more like you're ripping through the atmosphere.

[@ericsmith7888]

I love mine versatile…….

[@JNZLNTHNY]

I like his accent. It’s like Natasha Romanoff’s litol sistor

[@RideWithAlex]

=)))))))))))))) thanks I guess =))

[@BelfastBiker]

Start of video "ONLY 63NM" Later in video: "JEEEEESUSS!!! Holy Moly!" Lol.....

[@RideWithAlex]

I know 😂😂😂 and that's why a spec sheet never tells the entire story.

[@Adrian.B01]

Hai ca mai vrem review-uri, asaca ai grija si de permis. Iti vorbeste unu care sta toata vara pe bara :(

[@RideWithAlex]

Era eveniment de test ride stia poliția ce ruta avem si a fost totul ok :)

[@brookem1952]

Ay hold ur lane buddy 🤣

[@RideWithAlex]

:)))

[@hmoosawi]

Ha Ha Ha Ha... I expected it to go with your mind even though you said we wouldn't see anything extreme 😀 from you on this bike. I have CBR 600 🏍️ , it's true that its seat is sporty and uncomfortable, but believe me, its performance is addiction , so I can't give it up. Thanks for the review mixed with comedy that makes us laugh 👍😆👍

[@RideWithAlex]

My pleasure 😁😁😁 I can understand why you wouldn't want to give it up

[@CristiBucerzan]

U forgot to take this one on the dirt road :p

[@madwinningsteam1860]

😂😂😂

[@RideWithAlex]

That would have been something 😂😂😂😂

[@sweetlemonade123]

Honestly, bro doesn't sound like he should be riding this kind of bike...

[@RideWithAlex]

Why not, did I enjoy it too much?

[@sweetlemonade123]

@@RideWithAlex I was scared the entire time while watching.

[@themarvelousvintage76]

Jump on old cbr 929 or 954rr you gonna see how fast they are.......

[@RideWithAlex]

I don't doubt it.

[@islamdrai2553]

😂😂 you sould try the litter bike

[@RideWithAlex]

😳 Maybe if I have the change but on a track or highway so i can really feel the power, on normal roads it's too fast you cand make senss of it.

[@islamdrai2553]

@@RideWithAlex for me the 600 it's ridiculously fast so the litter it's pointless but the feeling you get of it when you twist the throttle is out of this world

[@RideWithAlex]

@@islamdrai2553 i can only imagine at this point 😁

[@islamdrai2553]

@@RideWithAlex 😁

[@Voovooze]

Calm down we’re in a village lol

[@RideWithAlex]

Don't disturb the locals 😂

[@PulsarSuni-rj2bq]

The indian version have only 85bhp 🥲

[@RideWithAlex]

Not much different, I think this had 92

[@ToxicGamer86454]

This is the "based on actual events" of motorcycles. It definitely isn't a sport bike

[@RideWithAlex]

Depends on your previous experience :)

[@chukwuerikadike804]

I wouldn't quickly dismiss this as definitely not being a sport bike. It rides like one and in capable hands would keep up with any 600 super sport. I think the only thing that would need to change for this kind of performance would be the tire and brake pads.

[@ToxicGamer86454]

@@chukwuerikadike804 It doesn’t have a super sport chassis. It doesn’t have super sport suspension. It doesn’t have a super sport engine. It doesn’t have a super sport riding position. It only has the look.

[@bucharestbiketraffic]

BLASPHEMY! The SYM NHT 200 is a much better bike. It can go off road and this can not.

[@RideWithAlex]

=)))))) Look who's back!

[@kundankumar-jm2ni]

U should go With 100cc Open the throttle bro it's Honda 😭😂

[@RideWithAlex]

🤣🤣🤣

[@AtomTwain]

When can I view the CBR 650ER cyber samurai electric edition 650mile radius of power a thrill ride,🙏🪐😇

[@RideWithAlex]

I don't know of any electric version. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davidchiarletti4648]

Imagine if he opened up a supersport litre It would be great to see !GATE13SW6CREW cfc

[@RideWithAlex]

I think I need to practice a little bit more on sport bikes in the 100bhp range. At the moment I probably wouldn't open up a liter bike more then half throttle. Maybe on a track with a bike that has wheelie control so I know I can go full gas and the thing wouldn't loop it's self. But as it sits i don't i don't want to try a liter bike just yet.